Qualifications for a Death Investigator

Summary:

Employees in this position perform all support duties involved in death investigations. Conveying the body to the morgue, conducting body examinations, taking of body fluids for toxicological examinations, overseeing of x-rays and fingerprints and assisting at autopsies. Work is performed under unusual and unpleasant conditions and is subject to a call on a 24-hour a day basis. He or she follows statutory requirement under Chapter 31, Illinois Revised Statutes.

Essential Functions:

Including the following

Conveys body to the morgue keeping intact evidence on or accompanying the body, including the correct control and disposition of the personal effects of the deceased.

Responsible for the preservation of the chain of evidence in regard to the body and/or evidence recovered from the body

Examines the body, catalogs clothing and personal effects; performs detailed body examinations with the preparation of diagrams of wounds, scar, etc., which are present

Takes, preserves and identifies body fluids for toxicological examinations including blood, bile, and urine and transports to the appropriate laboratory when necessary.

Assists in the taking, preserving and identifying trace evidence for a crime laboratory analysis including nails, hair and foreign materials

Oversees x-rays and processes film as supplementary investigative information

Takes fingerprints from bodies for the Coroner’s Office and all law agencies

Assists at autopsies, including techniques in dissection and evisceration, taking swabs and smears from various parts of the body

Assists in the proper recovery of bullets and other projectiles, packages and identifies these materials

Properly prepares body for transportation and or release to funeral home

Assists in operation of the morgue under the supervision of the Forensic Analyst

Secure DNA record

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of modern methods of death investigation

Knowledge of fingerprinting

Knowledge of human anatomy

Ability to work with deceased human bodies under varying conditions

Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratio, and proportions to situations

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in writing, oral, diagram, or schedule form

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software are required. Good typing skills are also required.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies

Analytical

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Quality Management

Organizational Support

Strategic Thinking

Judgment

Planning/Organizing

Professionalism

Quality

Quantity

Safety and Security

Adaptability

Attendance/Punctuality

Dependability

Initiative

Education and/or Other Requirements:

Completion of a standard high school program or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record

Willingness to be available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year without regard for holidays or personal commitment

Experience or a background in law enforcement or the medical field

Environmental Factors:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job